COLLEGE SOCCER

November 22, 2012SOME HIGH GRADESMonmouth women score in the classroom, too

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - For the 15th consecutive year, the Monmouth University women were named a NSCAA college team academic award Winner, the organization announced this week.

A total of 726 college soccer teams (222 men, 504 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, earning the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 2011-12 academic year.

Of that total, 152 schools had both their men's and women's programs recognized, including Monmouth University.

"Our program's ability to focus on being true student-athletes is a testament to the outstanding commitment to academics year in and year out by the members of our program," Monmouth coach Krissy Turner said. "Additionally, the support staff who assist our players deserves a lot of credit."

The women logged an overall grade point average of 3.33, while the Monmouth men's side sported an overall GPA of 3.09 to earn the award as well.

The Hawks also placed junior forward Monique Plescia (Norwood, N.J.) on the second team and had three members on the All-Rookie team including Kristen Brett (Hebron, Conn.), Monique Goncalves (Warren, N.J.) and Brianne Boyle (Hazlet, N.J.).

Turner, who has coacjed 62 all-conference players in her 15th year at the school, guided the Hawks to their 15th NEC Tournament appearance this season, and their seventh straight season with a double-digit victory total.